World’s Largest Trademark Event to Be Held in Seattle, Washington, in May
NEW YORK (PRWEB) March 13, 2018 -- More than 10,000 trademark practitioners and other intellectual property (IP) professionals from 150+ countries will convene in Seattle, Washington, May 19‒23, for the 2018 Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA)—the world’s largest and most widely attended trademark event.
This gathering at the Washington State Convention Center marks INTA’s 140th Annual Meeting and comes at a time when brand owners worldwide are identifying new opportunities and challenges. For example, the proliferation of online sales also carries the threat of increased counterfeiting across sectors, and greater consumer expectations and acceptance of new technologies are driving companies to reinforce the value of their brands.
The Annual Meeting will cover timely topics, such as strategies for battling counterfeit goods in the global marketplace—including enforcement against counterfeiters of sports merchandise; IP issues in the era of artificial intelligence and other innovations; and influencer marketing insights into return on investment. In addition, speakers will explore major international issues, such as Brexit and its impact on various IP rights, and privacy and data protection compliance in light of the European Union’s looming General Data Protection Regulation that takes effect in May.
The extensive program offers more than 300 educational opportunities, from general sessions and breakfast and lunch sessions focusing on specific topics (Table Topics), to a workshop on anticounterfeiting and one for in-house practitioners. Attendees can also browse a sprawling exhibition hall and network at more than 15 official receptions, including the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception at the Convention Center and the Grand Finale at the 74-acre Seattle Center, with exclusive access to Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Space Needle.
“It’s exciting to hold the Annual Meeting in a city that embodies innovation and iconic brands,” said INTA President Tish Berard. “Attendees, whether from startups or major global companies, will learn about critical issues that can impact business decisions today and in the future, and will gain insights into how to change with the times. In addition, this huge gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity to share best practices, benchmark, and network with colleagues from around the world.”
Collectively, INTA members contribute almost US $12 trillion to global gross domestic product (GDP) annually. For comparison, the 2016 annual GDP of the top three markets was $11.2 trillion (China), $16.4 trillion (European Union), and $18.6 trillion (United States).
The Annual Meeting will draw trademark and other IP professionals from major corporations and law firms, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, service providers, and government officials, including high-level officials from national, regional, and international IP offices.
In conjunction with this event, INTA will sponsor several corporate social responsibility initiatives, including collaborating with Dress for Success Seattle to collect professional clothing items for women seeking employment.
To learn more and to register for the 2018 Annual Meeting, http://www.inta.org/2018AM.
About the International Trademark Association
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Members include more than 7,200 trademark owners, professionals, and academics from 191 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. For more information, please visit http://www.inta.org.
Sari Schwartz, International Trademark Association, https://www.inta.org, +1 2126421774, [email protected]
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